Takeaway unit bid is rejected

Published:08:44Sunday 09 November 2014

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An attempt to turn a sandwich shop in the Devonshire Quarter in Sheffield city centre into a hot food takeaway unit has been rejected by the council to protect the “distinctiveness and vibrancy” of the area.

The verdict on the application for the Greggs shop in Devonshire Street will be seen as a boost for objectors trying to save a row of independent shops further along the road in an attempt to preserve the character of the Devonshire Quarter.

Greggs were seeking council permission to add several types of hot food to their menu.

The council said although the use would not change significantly on this occasion and the impact would be “minimal”, it could open the door to another takeaway unit “of very different character” at another time. The approval is linked to the premises, not the operator.

While the application was “technically acceptable” in general policy terms, it did not meet the aspirations of the Devonshire Quarter Action Plan “which seeks to maintain viability and predominance of specialist shopping uses on Devonshire Street and Division Street”, says a council report.

The action plan aims to ensure an appropriate balance between traditional shops and places to eat and drink to help ensure the quarter does not lose its distinctive flavour.

Huge opposition has emerged to plans to demolish a row of shops, including Rare and Racy and the Natural Bed Shop, opposite the green, to make way for two new units – possibly a shop and a cafe/restaurant/bar – and apartments.